The Power to Perform: Jaguar’s 2010 Supercharged Generation

Jaguar is renowned for building beautiful, fast cars. Think back to the gorgeous XK120 from the early ’50s. Or the sleek and sexy E-Type that was the sensation of the Swinging Sixties.

Now there’s a bold, new generation of beautiful, fast Jaguars being introduced for 2010 – cars that are true to the heritage of Jaguar’s legendary performance and beautiful design, but place a new emphasis on ‘Fast’.

Welcome to Jaguar’s new Supercharged Generation; dynamic new versions of the award-winning XF sports sedan, XK coupe and convertible, and the breathtaking all new XJ flagship.

What each has in common is that they’re powered by Jaguar’s new, state-of-the-art direct injection, supercharged 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III engine; an engine capable of delivering a staggering 510 horsepower, and the kind of performance normally reserved for the most exotic supercars.

This new V8 bristles with smart, intelligent new technologies. Like direct fuel injection, and an industry-first use of variable camshaft timing where the camshafts are activated by engine torque rather than oil pressure. It’s technology that saves energy and reduces fuel consumption.

Nothing showcases the staggering performance credentials of this new engine than Jaguar’s remarkable new 2010 XFR.

Just look at the numbers. It can explode away from standstill and reach 60mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds and run to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. That makes it the fastest-accelerating production Jaguar sedan ever.

Yet arguably the XFR’s most impressive number is also the smallest. As in 1.9. That’s the time in seconds it takes for the ‘R’ to kick down, spool up and lunge from 50 to 70 mph.

See the gap in the traffic ahead, squeeze the throttle and you’re catapulted forward with breathtaking performance. As an overtaking machine it is nothing less than a sensation.

Yes, the car is blindingly fast, but its searing velocity doesn’t come at the expense of daily drivability. With a massive 461 lb-ft of torque available from just 2,500 rpm, the car feels wonderfully refined, tractable, docile even, in everything from daily stop-start commutes to runs to the store. All this dynamic performance retails for just $80,000.

For those looking for an XF that balances driving exhilaration with one of the most luxurious, bespoke interiors on offer, look no further than Jaguar’s 2010 XF Supercharged.

It’s powered by a new 470 horsepower version of Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8. And with its ability to accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, its performance isn’t far behind that of the dynamic XFR.

It also features many of the key chassis advancements that debuted in the XFR. Features like the sophisticated Adaptive Dynamics active damping system that monitors body movements 100 times every second to deliver a luxury ride coupled with finely-tuned sportscar handling.

But inside is where the XF Supercharged switches from sporting luxury to ultimate luxury, featuring the richest Jaguar Softgrain leather for the seats and door panels with contrast color twin-needle stitching, elegant Jaguar Suedecloth for the headlining and stunning Rich Oak veneer trim.

As you’d expect, the $68,000 XF Supercharged comes exceptionally well-equipped, with a list of standard equipment that includes ventilated and heated front seats, a 440W Bowers and Wilkins surround sound audio system and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.

Even standing still these two-door XKs look fast. For the 2010 model year, the sweeping, athletic lines of their aerospace-inspired, lightweight aluminum bodies have been subtly enhanced to exude even more visual energy.

The exterior changes include a redesigned front end, new LED rear lights and a bold new lower body rear spoiler. Distinctive new 19 and 20-inch alloy wheels are also on offer.

Inside, the XKR features the exciting, user-friendly JaguarDrive Selector – first seen on the XF – with its cylindrical gear selector that rises up from the centre console.

With such substantial increases in power and torque from the new 5.0-liter V8, the performance of the new XKRs shift from merely exceptional, to truly extraordinary.

With 510 hp, 461 lb-ft and a body made of lightweight aluminum, the XKR can rocket from rest to 60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds. Yet compared to the previous XKR with 420 horsepower, this new version delivers heightened performance but with better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

The 2010 XKR Coupe retails for $96,000 while the XKR Convertible sells for $102,000.

The third member of Jaguar’s new Supercharged Generation is also the most dramatic. Early next year, Jaguar will begin sales of its all new 2010 XJ flagship sedan – a car that brings a bold new spirit to automotive luxury.

Making a dramatic, head-turning design statement, it features a sleek, coupe-like profile featuring a full panoramic glass roof that will be standard on all XJ models.

It also features Jaguar’s next-generation aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminum and magnesium body which uses 50 percent recycled aluminum it its construction to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint.

There’ll be standard- and long-wheelbase models available from launch, with the XJL offering an extra five inches of stretch-out rear-seat legroom.
And this new XJ doesn’t just look sleek and streamlined. It is. Along with the XF, it is the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever, with a drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.29. Low drag helps improve fuel economy and deliver outstanding high speed stability.

Two versions of Jaguar’s new direct-injection 5.0 V8 will power the new XJ – a naturally-aspirated 385 horsepower version plus a supercharged version producing an impressive 470 hp. Next summer sees the introduction of a high performance, bespoke-equipped XJ Supersport model with that supercharged 510hp version of the V8.

The 2010 XJ and XJL Supercharged will be priced at $87,500 and $90,500 respectively, with the XJ Supersport and XJL Supersport retailing for $112,000 and $115,000.

Fast has never looked this beautiful.

For more information on Jaguar’s Supercharged Generation of 2010 XF, XK and XJ go to www.jaguarusa.com.

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